March 10, 2014

Mushroom Risotto


Mushroom risotto is probably one of my favorite things to make.  It is easy and satisfying, plus it features mushrooms which are always available and delicious.  This version is pretty simple, however sometimes I change it up a bit and add a few more steps to elevate it to another level!  For starters, give this delicious risotto a try, you will love it!

Ingredients: (Serves 4-6)

1 1/4 cups Arborio rice
3 chicken stock cubes
1/2 cup white wine
1 medium white onion (small dice)
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
1 1/2 cups button mushrooms (chopped)
1 tbsp butter
A drizzle of olive oil
A squeeze of lemon juice
1 sprig of rosemary or thyme leave (chopped)
Handful of fresh Italian parsley (chopped)
Salt and pepper

Directions:

1) Bring a big pot of water to a boil. 
2) In a heavy bottom pot (I use a ceramic dutch oven) cook onions in olive oil until translucent; add arborio rice and rosemary and cook another minute.
3) Pour in the wine and a chicken stock cube and stir until the wine has absorbed; add the mushrooms; cook another minute.
4) Add another chicken stock cube and a soup ladle of boiling water; stir until water has been absorbed.
5) Add the 3rd chicken stock cube with another ladle of boiling water and stir until absorbed.
6) Continue adding more water and stirring, for about 20 minutes.
7) Stir the butter into the risotto and add the grated Parmesan; check the seasoning.
8) Add a squeeze of lemon and the parsley, stir.  Remove from heat, cover with a lid and let stand for 2 minutes.
9) Grate on some extra Parmesan and serve!

(Tip: Sometimes I add some extra assorted mushrooms to a separate frying pan with a little butter, chopped garlic, salt and pepper and I use to top the finished risotto off for extra flavor)










October 25, 2013

Beautiful Fall Days

As much as I love fall, I am having a little trouble giving up my summer clothing; shorts and dresses especially.  I usually wear summer clothes right up until the first snow fall.  I basically swap out my sandals for boots, add some chunky sweaters, warm scarves and fun tights to my closet which helps me transition into the colder weather without giving up my favorite summer pieces before I'm ready.
Below is one of the easiest ways to hold on to summer without looking "summery".  Simply add a cute pair of booties and a warm cardigan to your favorite shorts and tank!
 
 
Outfit Details:
Sweater- BB Dakota
Shorts - H&M
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 



October 13, 2013

Autumnal Aztec


 
Outfit Details:
Top- H&M
Shoes- Le Chateau (old) similar here w/a wedge
Bag- Target
 



 
 
 

 
 

October 11, 2013

Mad for Plaid

 

Classic Flannel

 Two ways to style your classic flannel top! Wear it unbuttoned or half buttoned or try tying it around your waist for a casual "thrown together" look!
Outfit Details: 
Classic Flannel- H&M / White tee- Les Pommettes / Black leggings- DKNY / Flats- Asos  / Bag- Fossil / Hat- Black.co.uk / Grey tee- Ksubi  / Jean Skinnies- Pull & Bear  / Wedges- Dsquared2
 

Plaid Trouser

I really like plaid trousers as they can be paired down (left) for a more casual look or paired with dressier pieces which makes them perfect for work, meetings, etc...
Outfit Details:
Leather Jacket: Muubaa  / Knit: Madewell / Clutch: Clare Vivier  / Boots: Pieces / Trousers: H&M / Blazer: Dorothy Perkins  / Camisole: Dorothy Perkins  / Bag: H&M  / Heels: Zara
 

Plaid Accessories

Not sure if you can pull off plaid pants or a plaid shirt? If you want to try it out for fall/winter but not 100 percent on it, then buy a smaller piece to add to your wardrobe, like a bag, scarf or some shoes!
Outfit Details:
White tee: Rag & Bone / Sweater (middle): Rebecca Taylor  / Denim shirt: Acne / Sweater (right): Madewell / Black skinnies: Mango  / Jeans: J Brand  / Pencil skirt: DKNY / Scarf: Aeropostale  / Bag: Marc Jacobs  / Plaid heels: Mango  / Black boots: Rock & Candy  / Tan Booties: TopShop
Gold chain: The Iconic
 

October 07, 2013

Color me Cobalt

 
Sorry about my crappy camera skills, framing, lighting etc...I do plan to get a better camera soon!
 I am in love with this blazer, it is so versatile!  I really enjoy suede and the blue is one of my favorite colors.  I also love the little zippers on the sleeves, they add something extra which makes it that much better.  These patterned pants are not as versatile and I often struggle finding something to pair them with, so I usually go with a solid black or white top with some funky jewelry.  I often wear these pants to work, and I work in a professional office.  They are a busy pattern but they are still a dress pant, and when styled in the right context they can definitely be appropriate for a work setting. (For work I pair them with a black blazer and a simple colored camisole).
 
Outfit Details:
Blazer- Vero Moda
Pants- Le Chateau
Shoes- Aldo
Watch- Michael Kors 

October 04, 2013

Pumpkin, Apple & Bacon Soup

I'm a huge fan of soup, especially during this time of year.  It is even better when I get to incorporate pumpkin (which I love) and bacon! Cause, well bacon.  I found this recipe in the October issue of Food Network Magazine which I adapted slightly.  It is smooth and flavorful with the perfect mix of salty and sweet.  Even my husband gobbled it up and he is not at all a pumpkin person!  Any who, give it a try, you will not be disappointed!



 
 
 
 
 
Ingredients:
 
796 ml can pumpkin
4 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
2 tbsp pure maple syrup
1 apple, cubed and cooked in butter until soft
4-5 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
Salt, to taste
 
Directions:
 
1) Simmer the can of pumpkin, chicken broth, cream and pumpkin pie spice, whisking, 10 minutes.
2) Add maple syrup.
3) Taste, then add salt to your liking.
4) Top with apples and bacon.
 
 

 
 

October 02, 2013

Favorite Fall Staples

It is my favorite time of year! Check out these perfect fall pieces to have in your wardrobe this fall!
 
 
 
Printed Slouchy Trousers!  Miss Selfridge  & Top Shop 
Stylish Booties!  Sam Edelman & Steve Madden
Neutral Knits! Joules Avelyn & H&M
Best Bags! Aldo & Banana Republic
 
 


September 04, 2012

The Pencil Skirt

Pencil skirts seem to be the most appropriate skirt to wear to an office or professional job. You wouldn't want to go much shorter than a pencil skirt, and longer tends to feel either too casual or too fancy, depending on the fit. So if you are going to wear a skirt to the office, which is a very suitable and stylish option, then the safest bet is to stick to pencil skirts. Following this basic guideline on how to wear pencil skirts will ensure you always look great in a professional setting.
 
There are 3 basic pencil skirts every professional woman should own: Neutral, patterned, and bright. Once you have these 3 options in your closet, it should be a breeze when it comes to finding something to wear each day for work. Below are some visual ideas and a few tips on how to best style the classic pencil skirt.
 
 
The Neutral Pencil Skirt 
       Tips:
  • Grey or black are your best neutral options because they are the easiest to match and to keep looking clean.
  • Having a variety of coloured camisoles will help you have many outfit options. Cover with a cardigan to finish the look.
  • Because it is a professional look, it is best to keep jewelry to a minimum; a watch and necklace or earrings and a ring.
 
 
 
 
 
 The Patterned Pencil Skirt
         Tips:
  • Don't go for patterns that have a wild design; stick to something a bit more subtle. The pencil skirt is meant to be classic, and when you wear crazy patterns or colours, it kind of defeats the purpose of the skirt.
  • If you are wearing tweed, pair with some modern looking jewelry (see below) to keep the outfit from looking to old fashioned.
  • Don't wear a top that is also patterned. While wearing two patterns at once does indeed look great in many ways (when done properly) it is just too busy for the office.
 
 
 
The Bright Pencil Skirt
        Tips:
  • Pair with a crisp white collared shirt, for the easiest professional look.
  • Break up two solid pieces with a belt.
  • If pairing with boots (see below) stick to a fitted boot rather than a slouchy boot to match the form-hugging shape of a pencil skirt.
  • A traditional pencil skirt will taper just above your knee, so if you are going to pair them with boots, opt for a pair that hits you just below your knee. This will provide a suitable balance by showing a little knee, and prevent your lower half from looking too bulky or over-dressed.
 
 
 
 
 


 


 

September 01, 2012

Fall Favourites: Footwear

The best thing about fall footwear is that pretty much anything goes. You can wear flats or boots and it usually suits the weather perfectly. Above, I have put together some of my favourite styles for fall. One pair of shoes in each of these categories would keep you looking great all season and work excellent with a variety of outfits.

1) C Label Hudson/ Black  $29.00 {I love the mix of the black and snake skin! These stylish flats would be perfect to wear to the office, shopping or the movies.}

2) Steve Madden Extraa $99.00 {Super cool studded flats! Wear day or night.}

3) Arlen loafer $175.00 {I love loafers for fall. They are super comfortable and have enough coverage you can wear them outside right up until the first snowfall. I am loving this leopard print, they are suitable for any office job and are perfect for spicing up any casual outfit!}

4) Bronwyn Black Faux Pony Heel $94.00 {I am obsessed with this heel! It is sexy, sophisticated and so versatile! Dress them down with black leggings and an over sized knit, or dress them up, pairing with a dress or black tights and a pencil skirt.}

5) Rag & Bone Harrow Booties $490.00 {Pretty pricey, but definitely worth it. Wear these casual booties with a great pair of skinny jeans, rolled up boyfriend jeans, or a casual fall dress!}

6) Zara Studded Cowboy Ankle Boot $130.00 {To-die-for ankle boot! I love the light color and the studs give them a cool vibe. These booties would add a sexy rocker chic vibe to any casual outfit.}

7) Navy Suede Floral Shoe (no price found) {This shoe is perfect for Fall 2012 because it mixes suede, floral and a dark navy. Would work great with many looks, such as skinnys and a blouse, skirts and dresses with tights, or a solid black get up.}

8) Alexander Wang Sabine Pumps $480.00 {I cannot express how much I love this heel. The color and the material (suede and mesh) scream fall, the style is very classy and the ankle strap is adorable. I would wear these heels for a night out on the town, work or just out for dinner!}

9) Casadei 2501 Pump $650.00 {This shoe is obviously expensive, but you could find a similar pair for much less, I'm sure. This color is all the rage this fall and will be beautiful in winter as well. Wear for a special occasion, a night out, or even a lunch date! Pair these shoes with jewel tones, black on black or white on white!}

10) Fergie Lattitude Too $180.00 {These boots are perfect for fall and winter. They are cool and comfortable and would look great with any casual outfit. These would work with jeans, leggings, or tights and an over sized sweater or long shirt!}

11) Lina Suedette Heeled Knee High Boots $79.00 {Every women should own a pair of these boots. They are super versatile, you can pair them with skinnys, wide leg pants, skirts and dresses. Plus, they are affordable and they are black so they will never go out of style.}

12) Steve Madden Zellie Boot $89.95 {The perfect riding boot. They are tall, sleek and chic, plus basic enough that they can be worn season after season!}